Mumbai: Chamak is an Indian musical thriller on SonyLIV,[2] starring Paramvir Singh Cheema, Isha Talwar, Akasa Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Gippy Grewal, Mukesh Chhabra, Kunwar Grewal, Prince Kanwaljit Singh and other artists from Hindi as well as Punjabi film industry
In the series Chamak, a young rapper Kaala leaves Canada for Punjab and discovers that his late father was the legendary famous singer Tara Singh, who was murdered on stage. As Kaala navigates through the complex landscape of politics, honor killings, and corporate rivalry, he meets Jazz, an aspiring artist. An impromptu rap battle with MC Square elevates Kaala’s popularity. However, his journey gets entangled in the web of Teeja Sur, once owned by his father but now in the hands of Pratap. Amidst three compelling theories—political conspiracies, honor killings, or a business takeover.
Directed & co created by Rohit Jugraj, Chamak is streaming on SonyLIV, with 6 episodes featuring songs from different genres of music like Punjabi folk, fusion, Desi Hip-Hop, Rap, etc.
Indiantelevision.com caught up with RG Rudram Productions founder Rohit Jugraj, where he shared some interesting excerpts regarding this series.
Edited excerpts
On sharing more about the daring subject matter explored in “Chamak” and the motivation that delved you into the gritty realities of the Punjabi music industry
The motivation behind delving into the gritty realities of the Punjabi music industry in “Chamak” stemmed from a first hand observation. Witnessing Punjabi artists, who deeply love their country, compelled to establish homes abroad due to safety concerns deeply troubled me. Our connection to our motherland, the love for India, and the unsettling fact that individuals felt forced to seek safety outside their homeland inspired me to shed light on this pressing issue.
On your role as a filmmaker in addressing and shedding light on such prevalent issues within the industry
The Punjabi music industry faces external pressures like extortion and crime, along with internal challenges of jealousy among its artists. The sensitivity and talent inherent in Punjabi artists contribute to heightened jealousies, forming factions and camps within the industry. As a filmmaker, I aim to delve into the human psyche, exploring the intricacies of relationships, emotions, and the darker aspects of art and music. “Chamak” becomes a canvas where I portray the complex dynamics of the industry, emphasizing the personal nature of artistic rivalries and the extremes to which these conflicts can escalate.
On your journey has involved crafting narratives with purpose, evident from your work in both Bollywood and Punjabi cinema
My endeavour is to continue presenting stories that entertain while carrying a deeper societal resonance. While often labeled a commercial filmmaker, I believe in infusing substance into entertainment. For instance, a film I made about Sansarpur, the mecca of Hockey in Punjab, aimed to bring to light the rich sporting heritage of a village. I envision future projects rooted in various Indian regions, telling stories that resonate with the audience while keeping entertainment at the core.
On elaborating the approached portraying passion and violence within this relationship, and what significance it holds in the overall narrative
The father-son relationship is inherently poignant, layered with love, tension, and the pursuit of respect. In “Chamak,” this complex dynamic unfolds through various relationships, exploring the intricacies and beauty within the familial bond. The portrayal includes different father-son narratives, each contributing to the broader exploration of the psyche behind these relationships within families. The themes of passion and violence serve to add depth to the storytelling, offering a nuanced perspective on familial dynamics.
On maintaining a fearless approach in your filmmaking, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects, and what message do you hope to convey through such narratives
While acknowledging that fear is a part of the human experience, I consider myself a “Fearful Warrior.” Overcoming fear becomes essential in telling stories that demand attention. The strength to face potential backlash comes from my audience, whom I view as gods. I persist in telling stories that entertain and provoke thought, even when dealing with sensitive subjects. Through these narratives, I hope to highlight societal issues, encourage dialogue, and bring about positive change.
On highlighting your collaboration with Indian music stalwarts in delivering the biggest Indian web series musical thriller
Music is a powerful storytelling tool deeply ingrained in Indian culture, and its role in “Chamak” is no exception. Collaborating with a diverse array of Punjabi music stalwarts and emerging talents has been a profound experience. Each artist, from Gippy Grewal to Asees Kaur, brought their unique flavor to the musical landscape of the series. Music not only enhances the emotional depth of storytelling but also has the ability to resonate with the audience on a profound level. The collaborative effort involved curating music from various artists, with each song contributing to the series’ overall narrative. Through this musical journey, I’ve learned the importance of humility and the profound impact music can have on conveying emotions. My hope is that the music of “Chamak” touches the souls of the audience, adding another layer of richness to the storytelling experience.
